Milestones and special occasions—birthdays, holidays, graduations—are moments of joy and celebration. But for children grieving the loss of a loved one, these events can also bring feelings of sadness and longing. As caregivers, parents, and educators, we can help kids navigate these moments with sensitivity and care.
Why Are Milestones So Challenging for Grieving Kids?
For children, milestones often highlight the absence of their loved one. This absence can feel especially poignant during family-centered occasions or significant life events. Kids may experience a mix of emotions, such as:
- Sadness: Missing the presence and participation of the loved one.
- Guilt: Feeling happiness or excitement without the loved one can sometimes lead to guilt.
- Confusion: Struggling to reconcile joyful moments with the pain of loss.
Acknowledging and validating these emotions is the first step in helping children cope.
Tips for Supporting Kids Through Milestones
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Acknowledge Their Feelings:
Let children know it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Say things like, “It’s okay to feel sad while also enjoying the day.” -
Create a Special Tribute:
Find meaningful ways to honor the loved one’s memory during milestones.- Light a candle.
- Share stories about them.
- Display a photo or memory box.
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Involve the Child:
Allow kids to take part in planning tributes or deciding how they’d like to remember their loved one. -
Offer Consistency:
Keep routines as normal as possible, especially during big events, to provide a sense of stability. -
Lean on Support Networks:
Reach out to family, friends, or grief organizations for additional support.
Ideas for Remembering Loved Ones During Special Occasions
Here are a few ways to include a loved one’s memory in milestones:
- Memory Balloons: Write notes or memories on biodegradable balloons and release them together as a family.
- Recipe Remembrance: Cook a favorite dish or dessert of the loved one and share it at family gatherings.
- Legacy Albums: Create a photo or scrapbook of past milestones shared with the loved one.
- Story Sharing: Encourage kids to tell their favorite story about the person they lost.
Helpful Resources for Grieving Families
If you’re looking for guidance and ideas, check out these resources:
- The Dougy Center: Offers activities and support tailored to grieving families.
- Eluna Network’s Resource Center: A library of tools for children coping with loss.
- NACG Resource Library: Educational materials and strategies for helping children process grief.
- Center for Loss and Life Transition: Tips on navigating grief through significant moments.
Supporting Kids With Jurni
Helping children navigate grief is a central theme of the Jurni book and activity pages. If you’re looking for interactive ways to engage kids in processing their emotions, check out our Jurni activity pages for free resources.
Every milestone is an opportunity for healing, connection, and growth. With the right support, grieving children can find ways to celebrate life’s moments while cherishing the memory of their loved one.
At Jurni, we're working to bring these themes of grief, healing, and hope to life through an animated short film inspired by our story. If you’d like to support this project, please visit our Kickstarter campaign or learn more on the Jurni website. Together, we can create something meaningful for families navigating their own journeys.